Tag Archives: The Fabric Of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy

On this Valentine’s Day week, I’d like to remind you of the importance of keeping your marriage strong. It’s the best gift you can give your spouse.

“Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails,” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

Remember what a great adventure your marriage has been and can be, and be careful not to get apathetic about your relationship. As with any journey, there are slow, boring, mundane seasons, but the times of making memories, capturing intimate experiences, and finding quality moments supersedes all the rest.

Choose not to get discouraged or weary in well doing, in working at your marriage, in resolving conflict, or in struggling to make ends meet. Build memories that transcend everyday life. It’s a daily choice…to love unconditionally, to sacrifice substantially, and to enjoy each other eternally.

Dear Lord, It’s easy to take our spouse for granted. Help us to lean into the adventure of marriage and keep our marriages strong and vibrant. In Jesus name, Amen

About the author: Susan Mathis is the author of of two Tyndale published premarital books Countdownfor Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage and The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Lifetime of Love & Happiness as well as The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy and four other books. She is the vice president of Christian Authors Network and the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and former Editor of 12 Focus on the Family publications. She has written hundreds of articles and now serves as a writer, writing coach, and consultant. For more, visit www.SusanGMathis.com.

There was a good reason that God invented the Sabbath, and I think that’s doubly important for families. Our kids never stop. We often feel pushed to do, go, do. We’re always on the move. But we need to stop and take some time to honor the Sabbath as well as our body, mind, and spirit.

Rest your body.

Get your sleep. Take time to do—dare I say it?—nothing. Just sit. Just relax. Our culture is frantically pushing us to the point of craziness and so do the kids Busy is not the best.

Rest your mind.

I have a notebook beside my bed because my mind often doesn’t stop at night. A bill I need to pay. An appointment I need to schedule. As a writer I wake up and have an idea about a character, a plot point, a setting detail—whatever. Without it, I’ll ponder it and lose sleep. If I write it down, I can come back to it later.

Sometimes we need to rest our mind for a while and just stop and daydream. Stop checking Facebook. Stop watching TV. Just stop. Let our poor overworked brains rest.

Rest your spirit.

Ever watch children play with abandon? Their spirits are unencumbered and free to enjoy life. We should play too.

We get too serious, too determined, too competitive, too driven. Sometimes we just need to take some time to enjoy watching a bunny hop around our yard or take a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature or lie in the grass and play the cloud game. It reignites our creativity and energizes our spirit.

So how do I take a Sabbath rest? Hope these ideas might help you too.

Besides going to church, I try to stay off my computer (unless, of course, I can skype with the grandchildren—then all bets are off!). I avoid social media, writing, or doing anything connected to work.

I try to do something in nature—take a walk, sit in the yard, etc.

I enjoy on a nice meal or just a special dessert.

I spend some special time with my wonderful husband.

Sometimes we spend time with friends.

I often call someone that I haven’t talked to in awhile.

I read or watch TV for pleasure not for research (i.e. work).

I spend some time praying for the upcoming week.

Try it for a year and see how it transforms your life. I know you’ll be blessed.

About the author: Susan Mathis is the author of The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy and four other books. She is the vice president of Christian Authors Network and the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and former Editor of 12 Focus on the Family publications. She has written hundreds of articles and now serves as a writer, writing coach, and consultant. For more, visit www.SusanGMathis.com.

Becky Harling has a new book releasing February 6th titled, Who Do You Say That I Am? This new Bible study considers the challenging questions Jesus asked and answers those question by considering His I Am statements.

What do you do when your marriage isn’t broken, but it doesn’t seem to be growing, either? Noted author and speaker Cindi McMenamin shows you the small changes you can make to touch your husband’s heart in a big way in her Feb. 1 release from Harvest House Publishers: 12 Ways to Experience More with Your Husband. McMenamin, who has been married 30 years to a pastor and introvert, is hoping this book will help wives regain the joy and sparks they once experienced in their marriage. The book includes biblical insights, stories of marriages that have been transformed, and practical ways to recapture your husband’s heart.

**********

“Author Susan G Mathis did a wonderful job with this dual timeline novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy. Beginning in 1851 Ireland, you could “see” what was happening. The family forced to make a difficult decision. You could “feel” the ship creaking and swaying on the sea. The fear and the hope were evident. Then in the modern day, you sensed Maggie’s desperation and witnessed her spiritual growth.

I thoroughly enjoyed the historical information that was woven throughout this book. Maybe because I have Irish ancestry it meant more, but it was all so well written that you were there. Despair turns to triumph as both women learn to trust and lean on God. If you enjoy historical fiction, or stories with Irish legacy, I highly recommend this book!” —V.B. Sluiter

From celebrating authors abroad to books available in languages abroad…check out what’s happening with some of our CAN authors, including new releases, speaking engagements, and book signings.

Author Grace Fox is currently in Romania. She’s leading a women’s team to minister among HIV-infected youth, abused mothers and children, and abandoned grannies. Learn more at www.gracefox.com

Davalynn Spencer will be signing her latest release, The Canon City Chronicles, from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 at Tailored West fashion boutique, 502 Main St. Canon City, CO. She will also be in-store Saturday Dec. 2 from 10 to 5 and Sunday Dec. 3 from noon to 4 p.m.

Award winning author Lena Dooley is releasing Brides of Minnesota on December 1. Available now for preorder on Amazon and Christianbook.com at a reduced price, just in time for Christmas!

Susan G Mathis, author of The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, was a guest on Angela Breidenbach’s radio show “Historically Speaking”. Listen at this link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/alongcameawriter/2017/11/10/historically-speaking

Susan was also on Scott McCausey’s radio show “Speak Up!” Check it out here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions/2017/11/14/marriage-preparation-with-susan-mathis-on-christian-devotions-speak-up.

Cindi McMenamin will be the keynote speaker for the Mission Hills Christmas Women’s Brunch on Dec. 2, 2018 at Mission Hills Church in San Marcos, CA. Her message is titled “Celebrate the Savior.” Come visit if you’re in the area!

Cindi’s recent release, 10 Secrets to Becoming a Worry-Free Mom (Harvest House Publishers, 2016) is now available in two other languages: Portuguese and Korean. And Cindi’s bestselling book from Harvest House Publishers, When Women Walk Alone (more than 125,000 copies sold), is now available in four languages, including German, Spanish and most recently, Portuguese!

Why is our desire to connect with others so important to our human experience, whether in person or through story? While there may be a few hermits and others who are anti-social, most of us long for human interaction. We were, indeed, made for relationship.

We are created in His image, the God who longs to be in relationship—with us! Moreover, God wants us to speak into His creation, so He allows us to be a part of His work on this earth.

How cool is that?

We don’t have to have a degree or a license or anything the world sees important. We don’t have to be articulate or even a great writer or some spiritual giant. He freely beacons us to be His partner in speaking His truth to whomever we meet!

He’s also planted a desire in us to share His truth, whether that’s as a writer, a friend, a parent—whatever! And even more than that, He wants to fulfill a very special purpose in our lives and in the lives of others.

When my children were small, it was such a joy to share the love of Jesus with them. Now as a writer, I get to share that same truth through my writing. In my novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy,I have included several of God’s truths in the story, and my prayer is that it will touch people’s hearts just as if I were there, sharing those truths face-to-face.

He gave you gifts and talents to use, and He wants you to express them. And He has a unique ministry, audience, or group that only you can reach. He also wants you to deliver a specific message, and feel the joy of sharing life with others.

How can you connect with someone this week and share God’s love with him or her? I’d love to hear what happens. Go for it!

Dear Lord, It’s too easy to turn away from others. Help us to turn toward other people to experience the connection and fellowship you gifted us with. In Jesus name, Amen

About the author: Susan Mathis is the author of The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy and four other books. She is the vice president of Christian Authors Network and the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and former Editor of 12 Focus on the Family publications. She has written hundreds of articles and now serves as a writer, writing coach, and consultant. For more, visit www.SusanGMathis.com.